S P A l u m n i E - n E w S l E t t E r | m A r 2 0 1 7

CONNECTIONS

A l u m n i i n t h E S P o t l i g h t

g i v i n g B A c k

c o n t i n u i n g E d u c A t i o n & t r A i n i n g

d o y o u k n o w ?

h A P P E n i n g S @ S P

Q u i z

u P c o m i n g c o u r S E S & E v E n t S

Apply for your Sp Alumni CArd

Become a cardholderand enjoy specialbenefits and privileges.

JOIN NOW!

Department of Student Development & Alumni Relations, Singapore Polytechnic 500 Dover Road Singapore 139651Tel: 6775 1133 | Fax: 6772 1960 | Email: contactus@sp.edu.sg | Website: alumni.sp.edu.sg

UNSUBSCRIBE. To opt out of receiving communications on SP alumni news and information, please fill in the opt-out form.

Singapore Polytechnic | Copyright © 2017 All Rights Reserved | Privacy Statement | Disclaimer

Power ofNetworkingReturning to her alma mater after 12 years is a sweet homecoming for Peifen. Since joining SP Pace Academy in 2014, Peifen has clinched contracts with movers and shakers the likes of Shell and SMRT Corporation Ltd. From a management support officer in the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) to an account manager, she has come a long way.

Read on to learn how Peifen has been getting ahead in life through consummate networking skills!

Zhuo PeifenAccount Manager Business Development Division, SP Pace AcademyDiploma in Chemical Process Technology (2002)

Alumni in the spotlight

That wake-up call from her mother straightened her thoughts.

A shy introvert from young

Peifen confessed that she was a shy girl when young. Her mother, worried that Peifen might not amount to anything, told her one day, “If you don’t learn how to talk, you won’t be able to earn a living!” That wake-up call from her mother straightened her thoughts. Peifen began to observe her younger brother, who is an eloquent extrovert.

“You can see the person’s expression, observe whether he likes or dislikes certain statements.”

Alumni in the spotlight

Her networking journey

At MTI, Peifen built up her networking skills when developing training programmes for China delegates. Her proficient bilingualism in both English and Chinese led her to being headhunted later by Singapore Cooperation Enterprise. The next six years saw her business development skills taking off to greater heights.

The Science of Networking

Peifen felt that networking can be trained. It really depends on how much the person wants to change his or her life for the better. Peifen underscored the importance of building

Her Advice

Nothing beats face-to-face interactions. Technology cannot replace handshakes, smiles and heart-to-heart chats. “You can see the person’s expression, observe whether he likes or dislikes certain statements. A person will also open up more over meals,” she elaborated.

his or her unique expertise to bring value to the table. She revealed that she once took a Business Chinese course in SP many years ago, and scored a distinction. That laid a strong foundation as she was required to draw up contracts in Chinese at Singapore Cooperation Enterprise.

Peifen commented that the young generation needs to distinguish between real and hi-bye friends. She dished out tips for keeping relationships alive, such as simple Whatsapp greetings and regular meet-ups. For business meetings, Peifen usually follows up with an email after exchanging name cards to leave an impression. She said, “I invited them for lunches if they happen to be near my office.”

“When these students feel that their friends care for them, they will reciprocate.”

The young should strive to make three or four new friends every year. Peifen cautioned that it is not advisable to stay in the same cliques. “Widening your circle of friends is crucial to building a strong network,” she added.

Peifen’s lecturer-turned-colleague Mrs Ser-Low Wai Ming agreed. “Most students here can accept one another. I usually get students to mingle with those quiet ones. When these students feel that their friends care for them, they will reciprocate.”

Giving Back

Life after SPStill Enriches!

Life after SP promises to be fulfilling,

especially with helpful alumni sacrificing their leisure to help fellow students and alumni brush up their skills.

In this issue, SP Alumni Dragon Boat Team and SP Alumni Toastmasters Club share

with us during the recent SP Alumni Interest Groups (AIGs) Appreciation Dinner how

they give back to SP.

Giving Back

Formed in 2016, the SP Alumni Dragon Boat Team was started by a group of former SP Dragonboaters. With differing backgrounds ranging from university students, full-time national servicemen and engineers, they make time every weekend to train together.

SP Alumni Toastmasters Club has its origins dating back to 2005. Contrary to the public perception that toastmasters club only serves to groom public speaking skills, Ching Kang, the current President, gives his take.

“Public speaking is not just about speaking in front of a group of people; it can be as simple as performing at one-to-one interview, or asking a stranger for help. Ultimately, the aim is to give a good impression and engage the audience,” he explained.

We remind them that besides winning

competitions, building meaningful bonds

among themselves is just as important.

There are subtleties to be observed, such as body language, vocal variety and use of analogies. Psychologically, good speakers are generally quick-witted, calm, adaptable and empathetic. Over the years, the club has been helping both students and alumni polish up their oratorical skills through meetings, workshops and contests. Occasionally mentors in the club will also discuss and refine speech ideas, and evaluate rehearsals put up by mentees.

Over the years, the club has been helping both students and alumni polish up their oratorical skills through meetings, workshops and contests.

They tasted sweet success. Ruben, an active member, recalled clinching the first medal in Sava 2016 for the 3rd place in Finals. “That was a 22-crew formed at the eleventh hour. We mobilised everyone to come back for training. I guess that was made possible by the tenacity and discipline dragon boating instilled in us,” he explained.

With years of experience under their belts, the team members were also mentors to the current SP Dragonboating team. He elaborated, “Rather than interfering with their training style, we provide emotional support. We remind them that besides winning competitions, building meaningful bonds among themselves is just as important.”

We Speak with PassionOne Stroke, One Heart

Continuing Education and Training

in the Biopharma Industry

Seizing Opportunities

As a key pillar of the Singapore economy, the biomedical sciences manufacturing industry contributed roughly 3.5 to 4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product in 2016. This translated to roughly SGD 27 billion, with more than 18,000 workers employed in this industry (Source: Economic Development Board, Future Ready Singapore).

Jointly supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Workforce Singapore (WSG), SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and administered by Singapore Polytechnic (SP), the Local Biologics Skills Training Programme is a fast-track route for those who aspire to be on the frontier of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Continuing Education and Training

Launched in May 2016, the manpower talent development programme aimed at building a pipeline of skilled manpower for Singapore’s biologics manufacturing (BM) industry. Trainees will be awarded with a WSQ Higher Certificate in Process Technology (Biologics Manufacturing) after undergoing 2 or 3 months of courses and 18-21 months of structured on-the-job training (OJT) with top biologics companies to deepen their competencies and skills.

Miss Tang Wan Jing (second row, fourth from the right)

Fellow alumnus, Miss Tang Wan Jing is one of those who benefited from the programme. After graduating from Singapore Polytechnic in 2011 with a Diploma in Chemical Process Technology (Industrial Chemistry), she earned her Bachelor with Honours in Chemical Engineering from Singapore Institute of Technology-Newcastle University in 2015.

Her interest in biopharma was piqued when she came across the programme

while surfing the career portal at Roche, a Swiss multinational biotech company. She is always keen to know more about the science behind drugs discovery and manufacturing as a student in SP. Riding on the opportunity of on-the-job training offered by the programme, she joined as a Quality Engineer (Validation) in May 2016 to realise her passion. Working in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) plant, Roche opens her world to regulatory requirements to ensure safety and quality of biologics drugs. Her WSQ trainings delivered by experienced and dedicated trainers

at SP equips her with essential work skills and competencies, enables her to work effectively in cross-functional teams and provide better support to her supervisor and teammates. She was given feedback by her supervisor so that she can better understand her role as a Quality Engineer (Validation) after completing WSQ trainings at SP.

Her lecturer, Mr Lam Kok Seng, noted that she is serious towards learning. Besides displaying sharp critical thinking skills, she is task-oriented and often goes the extra mile to get things done. We wish her success in her biopharmaceutical journey!

Do you know?

SP helps SMEs test their products

five times fasterThe new Lean Enterprise Development project launched by SP, Workforce Singapore and Agilent Technologies helped SMEs in the food manufacturing sector to improve their efficiency and productivity in product testing and development with process time improving more than 5-fold.

This project was also extended to other industries including Biomedical Sciences, Chemicals, Oil & Gases and Environmental Technology.

To find out more, please click here

Credits: SP School of Chemical & Life Sciences (CLS)

SP’s Food Innovation & Resource Centre helps SME boost productivity

More small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were working with tertiary institution innovation centres to develop their products and remain competitive. One example was Mr Ham Weng Seng, who took over the reins of the family owned Chop Tai Chong Kok Pte Ltd three years ago.

SP’s Food Innovation and Resource Centre (FIRC) provided consultancy services to improve his products and lessons for his staff to learn about product packaging and safety. After working with FIRC, the company has expanded to five shops and a factory from the initial two outlets.

Students interning at FIRC have the opportunity to assist full-time food researchers, comprising food scientists and food technologists, on these projects.

To find out more, please click here

SP Logistics course is the pick formid-career switchA growing number of Singaporeans were looking to join the logistics industry, which was seen as one of the sectors that was more conducive to professionals seeking a mid-career switch given the gentle learning curve and less complex skills required.For the past seven years, Mr Muhamad Fahdil had been working at the frontlines of luxury retail, selling everything from bags to shirts. However, he was fascinated by what transpired before goods hit the shelves. To satisfy his curiosity, Mr Fahdil enrolled in the part-time diploma programme in freight and transport services at SP PACE Academy and hopes to build a career in logistics after he finishes the year-long course next August.He opined that the money and time invested is well worth the effort, and shared that the course’s intensive modules give him insight into the process of transporting and distributing goods before these reach the store.

To find out more, please click here Credits: Mr Muhamad Fahdil

International BIM CompetitionSingapore Polytechnic teams win at

Three teams from the Diploma in Architecture and Diploma in Civil Engineering with Business courses won the second, third prizes and Merit award at the Building and Construction Authority International Building Information Modelling (BIM) Competition during the Singapore Construction Productivity Week 2016.

This year’s competition saw entries from 196 tertiary students hailing from Canada, China, India, Iran, Jordan, New Zealand, Korea and Singapore.

Credits: SP School of Architecture & the Built Environment (ABE)

To find out more about the competition and winners, please click here

Do you know?

for SMART Technologies at CETIASIA ChallengeSP wins Top AwardsStudents from year 3 of the Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering and Diploma in Computer Engineering courses won the top 3 awards at the inaugural CETIAsia Challenge 2016.

The competition was organised in conjunction with the CETI Asia (Customer Electronics Technology and Innovation), a global event which ran from 30 November to 2 December 2016 to bring together some big ideas on future technology trends and also showcase new innovations.

The competition, opened to tertiary students, served as a platform for students to showcase their SMART technology and innovation ideas, and to promote their interest in electronic engineering.

To find out more, please click here Credits: SP School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE)

SP alumnus wins Best New Directorat China short film festival

SP’s Diploma in Digital Media alumnus and current Beijing Film Academy student Alvin Lee’s short film “Seed”, has won him the Best New Director Award over 10,000 other submissions at the China Short Film Golden Hummingbird Awards.

He was also the first SP graduate to be accepted by the academy.

The China Short Film Awards are the country’s first national-level event for shorts and were first held in 2012.

To find out more, please click hereCredits: Mr Alvin Lee

BASF launched a new technical application laboratory for its nutrition and health business located at Singapore Polytechnic, to focus on providing analytical service and co-developing products with customers in the Asia Pacific Region.

With the newest laboratory, the BASF Nutrition & Health Division now had its first application facility in a tertiary institution in Singapore.

at Singapore Polytechnic to develop functional food

Chemical Giant set up laboratory

Credits: Extracted from BASF webpageTo find out more, please click here

Growing real solutionsto real-world problemsSP Engineering Show 2017 featured the Urban Farming Kit and the Smart Bike Alarm.

The projects that were designed in response to requests from industry partners. This year, about a third of the 94 final-year projects on display were industry-linked.

SP’s Deputy Principal Lim Peng Hun shared that industry-linked projects motivated students more as they were solving real-world problems and this provided an authentic learning experience.

To find out more, please click here

Do you know?

Turning polytechnic studentsinto entrepreneursThe SPiNOFF programme is a 36-week programme that sought to nurture the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among third-year SP Diploma in Business Information Technology (DBIT) students.

Interested students, who were good at apps development, could apply for the SPiNOFF programme, where they would work on running their businesses in place of final-year project and internship.

SP worked with seed capital firm Spaze Ventures, which appointed mentors for the students and chose one selected group to invest up to $50,000.

To find out more, please click here

Credits: Lianhe Zaobao

A group of SP students from the School of Digital Media and Infocomm Technology emerged as the winner in the tertiary category in the National Science Experiment (NSE) Big Data Challenge.

Students formed groups to analyse the data collected by the “SENSg” device and presented their findings that students who exercised frequently were generally happier and the group presented suggestions on how schools can help alleviate the stress faced by the students.

from analysing big dataWinning big

As part of Project Lapis Sagu, Singapore’s first crowd-sourced film initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) with an aim to foster wider discussions on the issue of social integration, film directors Kelvin Tong, Eric Khoo, K Rajagopal and Sanif Olek mentored aspiring film-makers who proposed interesting stories.

SP’s Diploma in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics graduate Thomas Goh, who was currently serving National Service, was picked by Mr Sanif for his science fiction story about space.

Only four out of 1,209 entries were picked and would be further developed into short films which will be released in March this year, and the four aspiring filmmakers would receive a prize money of $5,000.

and space picked for Project Lapis SaguIdeas about zombies

Credits: Ministry of Communications

and Information

To find out more, please click here

Since the launch of National Silver Academy (NSA) last year, over 5,000 seniors

have signed up for the classes. The academy plans to offer 700 courses this year, up from 500 courses last year.

Seventy-two year-old retiree Francis Zhan, who took up the Science and Business of Coffee course offered by SP’s Professional and Adult Continuing Education (PACE) Academy, shared his reasons for taking up this course.

Encouragingactive ageing

To find out more, please click here. SP’s segment starts from 4:48. For list of course offered by PACE as part of NSA, please click here

New chapter of the Singapore story

CFE report:

PM Lee Hsien Loong mentioned in a letter to the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) committee, which Mr Bill Chang, CEO group enterprise of Singtel and Chairman of SP’s board of directors was co-chairman of sub-committee on future jobs and skills, that Singapore must stay open to trade, people and ideas, and build deep capabilities so that our people and companies can seize opportunities in the world. He acknowledged the strategies proposed by CFE, which the Government has accepted and will pursue.

To find out more, please click here

Happenings@SP

Maritime Employment Landscape Talk

DEPM Alumni Night

On 15th February 2017, Mr Clarence Khoh, Director of Talent Merge Pte Ltd, gave a career development talk to over 40 Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) alumni who are currently taking their CoC (Certificate of Competency) in SMA.

DEPM Alumni Night is an annual event that provides a networking platform for its alumni, lecturers and industry partners. In celebration of the Diploma in Integrated Events and Project Management (DEPM)’s 10th intake, an anniversary event was held at The Hall on 24 November 2016.

The talk provided a glimpse into the maritime industry and the current maritime employment opportunities. Mr Khoh shared tips on resume writing techniques and the interview do’s and don’ts so as to better prepare the alumni for their job search.

Besides a splendid dinner and lively performances, there was a cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate a milestone in DEPM’s history. The event proved to be a meaningful one for the alumni as they gathered to catch up with peers whom they have not met for some time. “As years

All in all, it was a fruitful session as many attendees participated actively and gained first-hand insights of companies’ selection processes in the maritime employment landscape.

go by, such an event will definitely be even more worthwhile to attend as we get to reminisce the good old days and to see how much each and every one of us has grown,” said Xin Hui who recently graduated from Singapore Polytechnic.

Happenings@SP

DHLFM Homecoming 2016

Lo-Hei Dinner for EEE Entrepreneur Community

It was a memorable night of catching up with old friends for more than 60 Diploma in Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management (DHLFM) alumni who turned up for the heartwarming event on 9 December 2016.

It started with a buffet dinner where alumni and lecturers had the opportunity to get together – chatting and sharing life stories with one another.

The lecturers were heartened to know that many of their alumni are doing well in the industries. Amongst them are alumni working in established companies while others are furthering their education.

It was definitely an event of renewed acquaintance, shared memories and

friendship. No doubt it was an evening to be remembered where friendship would be strengthened in years to come.

The event held on 10 February 2017 commenced with an opening address by Mr Loh Yew Chiong, Director of School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE). In celebration of the 60th anniversary for EEE, alumni from various entrepreneurial

backgrounds were invited to return to their alma mater. Aspiring student entrepreneurs were also invited to the event where they were given the opportunity to network with their seniors, many of whom were able to provide sound advice. Mr Loh took the opportunity

to emphasise on EEE’s role in contributing towards the national SkillsFuture initiative and the importance of grooming future leaders. The evening was a pleasant one as a total of 40 alumni, students and staff mingled over the Lo-Hei Dinner.

Happenings@SP

Hydrographic Surveying Talk

SMA Alumni Homecoming 2017

A Hydrographic Surveying Talk was organised by SP’s School of Architecture & the Built Environment (ABE) on 25 January 2017 to introduce the various technologies, surveying instruments and applications of

More than 140 Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) alumni from various cohorts returned to Singapore Polytechnic (SP) on 22 February 2017 for a reunion. Captain Mohd Salleh Ahmad Sarwan, Director of SMA, updated the alumni on SP’s recent developments, as well as, on SMA.

The homecoming was a great opportunity for alumni to reconnect with their ex-lecturers as well as their peers. Many alumni have since become captains of industries, successful entrepreneurs and professionals in Singapore and beyond, and with that SMA hopes that its alumni can contribute to SP and also benefit from the recent government initiatives such as SkillsFuture and Industry Mentors’ Network Programme.

The evening ended on a high note with musical

Hydrographic Surveying to Year 2 Diploma in Civil Engineering with Business (DCEB) students. More than 60 students benefited from the sharing session by alumnus, Mr Lai Kok Seong, who graduated with a Diploma

performances by SMA lecturers such as Capt Frederick Francis, Capt Savio Coutinho, Mr Naung Zaw Htun and Ms Violet Ong. It was evident that all the attendees enjoyed catching up with their friends and establishing new friendships at the event.

Year 2017 is indeed a significant milestone for SMA as it celebrates its 60th birthday or diamond jubilee. The year started well for SMA as it recently

in Civil and Structural Engineering (DCSE) in 2002. Besides gaining technical knowledge, the students were inspired by the insights that they gained from the working experiences of fellow alumnus.

won the Excellence in Training Award at the Lloyd’s List Asia Award Ceremony 2016 last October. A series of events have also been lined up as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations. One of these events includes the 12th Biennial Maritime Conference and Exhibition MARTECH 2017 happening on 20 – 21 September 2017 at Singapore Polytechnic with the conference theme “Towards 2030: Maritime Sustainability Through People and Technology”.

Upcoming Courses & Events

PACE ACADEMY COURSES

Advanced Business Analytics *# 15-16 Jun ‘17

Big Data Analytics: A Primer and Practicum * 20-23 Jun ‘17

Certificate of Performance in Healthcare Informatics * NEW 19 Jun-24 Jul ‘17

Certificate of Performance in Healthcare Management * NEW 8 May-28 Jul ‘17

Certificate of Performance in Healthcare Operations * NEW 8 May-28 Jul ‘17

Certificate of Performance in Healthcare Quality * NEW 7 Aug - 27 Oct ‘17

Class 1 Boiler Attendant Course * (Sat Class) 22 Apr-27 May ‘17

Class 2 Boiler Attendant Course (5 Full Day Class) * 12-16 Jun ‘17

Class 2 Boiler Attendant Course (Evening Class) * 17 Apr-29 May ‘17

Class 2 Boiler Attendant Course (Saturday Class) * 1 Jul-5 Aug ‘17

CoC Class 1 Marine Engineer Officer (Orals) * 5-30 Jun ‘17

Computer Aided Design with Autodesk Inventor 17 Apr - 24 Jun ‘17

Cyber Security Course for Non-IT Professionals 6-7 Apr ‘17

Effective Report Writing 30-31 May ‘17

Enhanced Post Diploma Certificate - Certificate In Web Application Design (leading to Specialist Diploma in Web Development Technology)

12 Jun ‘17 (5 weeks)

Environmental Control Officer * 3 May-9 Jun ‘17

Finance for Non-Finance Managers * NEW 18- 19 Apr ‘17

Flying an UAV for Photograpy and Videography 15-16 Jun ‘17

Fundamental Course On Vector Management And Control

3-5 May ‘17

High Voltage Installations Management * 19-21 May ‘17

Import/Export Business And International Trade * 17-18 April ‘17

Import/Export Contract and International Trade Practices *

4-5 Sep ‘17

Import/Export Practices and Effective Uses of Letter of Credit *

22-23 May ‘17

Intermediate Quantitative Data Analysis and Modeling * NEW 1-2 Jun ‘17

Introduction to Smart Cities NEW 12-13 Apr ‘17

Introduction to Statistics and Quantitative Data Analysis *#

20-21 Apr ‘17

Introduction to Survey Methodology: Sampling and Factor Analysis *#

4-5 May ‘17

Preparatory Course for COC Class 1 Deck Officer (Orals and Shiphandling) *

2-26 May ‘17

Preparatory Course for COC Class 1 Deck Officer (Orals and Shiphandling) *

4-28 Jul ‘17

Preparatory Mathematics for University # 25 Apr-15 Jun ‘17

Preparatory Physics for University # 26 Apr-21 Jun ‘17

Principles of Business Analytics *# 11-12 May ‘17

Social Media Marketing for Your Business * 18-19 Apr ‘17

WSQ - Provide Advice on Wine* 18-27 Apr ‘17

WSQ Apply Food Safety Management Systems for Food Service Establishments (FSMS) *

27-28 Apr ‘17

WSQ Apply Packaging Materials and Technology in Food Packages *

19-21 Apr ‘17

WSQ Follow Good Food Labelling Practices * 11-12 Sep ‘17

WSQ Implement Advanced Food Hygiene Practices * 7-9 Jun ‘17

WSQ Manage Hazardous Substances * 12 Jun-7 Jul ‘17

WSQ Monitor Noise and Vibration * 24 May-16 Jun ‘17

WSQ Optimise Efficiency of Motor Driven Systems * 11-15 Sep ‘17

WSQ Perform Design and Installation of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems*

3-29 Jul ‘17

WSQ Perform Maintenance of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems*

8 May-3 Jun ‘17

WSQ Student Care Programme* 15 May-3 Jun ‘17

LEGEND: NEW - New Course * Eligible for Skills Future Credit # Eligible for SP Alumni Discount

https://esurvey.sp.edu.sg/efm/se/5D88DEAA67CC0F49

Quiz

PORE OVER THIS ISSUE TOWin Prizes!

Try out this brain-teaser crossword puzzle. You can search for clues on Alumni@SP E-newsletter (March 2017 issue). Stand a chance to win prizes if you get all the correct answers. Simply email your responses to Jessica_Wong@sp.edu.sg before 30 April 2017. Answers will be published on Alumni@SP E-newsletter (June 2017 issue).

5.H

C

L

M

O

V

C S

L

2.

1.

4.

8.

7.

6.

3.

ACROSS

1. Another name for an industry involved in the manufacture of biological medical products from biological sources.

2. The _____ Academy’s mission is to offer a variety of relevant courses for adult learners to enhance their employability.

3. The SPINOFF programme aims to nurture culture of _____ and entrepreneurship.

4. SP wins top awards for SMART technologies at this event.

DOWN

5. The adjective used to describe the branch of applied sciences which includes the measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes and rivers, as well as the prediction of their changes over time.

6. Helpful alumni sacrifice their leisure to brush up ____ of fellow students and alumni.

7. SP Food Innovation and Resource Centre helps SME boost ______.

8. SP Engineering Show 2017 showcased solutions to ______-world problems.